Indonesia’s 80th Independence Day celebration under President Prabowo Subianto was marked by a unique atmosphere this year. The State Palace invited around 60 small business vendors, whose products were purchased by the Palace and served to guests, 80 percent of whom were members of the public. One of the vendors, Wahyu, who sells traditional kue apem cakes, expressed his gratitude and happiness for being invited. Another vendor selling es doger also shared his excitement for stepping inside the State Palace for the first time, describing the experience as grand and festive.
In a special gesture, the Palace invited 60 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to provide 30,000 portions of food and drinks free of charge to the public. Vendors were stationed at various points within the Palace grounds, allowing visitors to have a unique and close-up experience of the State Palace. Attendees, such as @ijoeel on Instagram, shared their amazement at the openness and fun atmosphere of the Palace during the celebration.
This year’s event not only celebrated the Independence Day but also symbolized the Palace’s new openness under President Prabowo, where officials, ordinary citizens, and small street vendors came together in a display of unity. The celebration was a blend of people’s festival and a showcase of inclusivity, highlighting the diverse community that makes up Indonesia.
